When I heard the tradition of writing down prayers to leave in the cracks of the Holy Wall in Jerusalem, I thought it would only be appropriate to choose a beautiful stationery, meditate for a while on what exactly I intended to write, then compose it carefully in perfect cursive penmanship. Maybe even print it [Read More]

I have a lot of trouble praying. I sit in synagogue and as soon as I start to read the words, my mind wanders. Even when I read the English I find it hard to focus. I suddenly start thinking about work issues or what’s for dinner, anything but the prayers. Am I wasting my time trying to pray?

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I have a lot of trouble praying. I sit in synagogue and as soon as I start to read the words, my mind wanders. Even when I read the English I find it hard to focus. I suddenly start thinking about work issues or what’s for dinner, anything but the prayers. Is prayer a waste of time?

Master of the Universe, grant me the ability to be alone; may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grass – among all growing things – and there may I be alone, and enter into prayer, to talk with the One to whom I belong.